The elderly, in the modern age have a tremendous ability to be able to contribute to society.  With modern medicine they have the ability to live longer and more productive lives.  But why is it we still look at the elderly as if they have chosen a life of stagnancy?  

The elderly of our age have held on to a nasty habit of the past.   They have forgotten to look foreword and consider the live of those that will outlive them.  It’s no surprise that as people age, their political stances tend to be more conservative.  Saving money, and being able to live quiet comfortable lives is something we will all desire as our age increases.  But we cannot forget to consider those who are less fortunate, and those who are only starting off in the world.  

If the elderly want to make a great contribution, they need to consider being more lenient with their political expediency, and vote for younger more progressive candidates.  I am not saying to abandon their political views, and throw their dreams to the wind for the sake of the collective.  I am suggesting that they elect younger, more developing conservatives.  Recycling old politicians is one way many people grow bored with politics.  If older people made it easier for young people to be active in government, communities would be more proactive and vibrant.  Instead, many elderly people vote for elderly candidates (which is not always a bad thing, people can tell who is wise and who is growing weary), and spend no time with the young people conversing about why they believe what they do.

Elderly people are wise and there is no doubting that.  But they seldom use their wise abilities in ways to reach out to young adults.  Many time’s young adults have to reach out to them.  Young adults are by nature immature, so many never feel this urge.  It is up to elderly people in every community to reach out to young adults and younger adults alike, and pass on the wisdom they have acquired over the years.  Whether that wisdom is political, societal, or just how to varnish an antique table.  

Communities as a whole need to make a better effort to embrace the elderly and the elderly need to make a more obvious effort to reach out to communities.  It is a symbiotic relationship that has to be nurtured and given a special place in our minds.  The elderly have so much to present to us.  We need to listen, and they need to speak loud enough to be heard.